In the wake of the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Rodney Ambaiowei, a member of the House of Representatives representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, has emphasized the importance of military authorities adhering to professionalism.
Last Thursday, 17 soldiers deployed on a peace mission in Okuama were killed by irate youths, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for an investigation.
At a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the lawmaker stressed that only caution and professionalism could avoid serious damages and consequences.
According to him, the killers' activities covered Igbomotoru in the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, where he claimed soldiers on a revenge mission had been on a killing spree.
He emphasized that caution and professionalism should be the watchword to prevent unpleasant and regrettable consequences in the process of bringing the culprits to book.
He then condemned the gruesome murder of the 17 military soldier and condoled with their families and the nation at large
He claimed that the once serene community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State which spilled into Igbomotoru is currently being raided by military men searching for the perpetrators of the heinous crime at Okuma. It is truly unfortunate and heartbreaking that the aftermath of the invasion led to the destruction and killing of some innocent and peace-loving citizens of the Igbomotoru community.
Recalling a similar incident that took place in Odi, in November 1999 following the killing of some soldiers and policemen, the lawmaker noted his awareness that the Nigerian Army can quickly gather intelligence. With utmost caution, the execution of such intelligence reports should aim to minimize collateral damage to innocent and law-abiding citizens.
He called on the people of Igbomotoru and the entire Southern-Ijaw Federal Constituency to be alert and report any unfamiliar movements in their communities to the nearest law enforcement officers.
